Rabbit Genetics

Coloration of Netherland Dwarfs 5 Genes provide the total coloration A – Agouti B – Black-Chocolate C – Color D – Dilute/Dense E - Extension

Agouti Agouti gene is responsible for determining whether a mammal’s coat is banded (agouti) or solid color (non-agouti) “A” gene is in 3 forms: A = agouti at = tan a = self

Black-Brown This gene controls if the fur will be in the black family of brown family Black fur is Dominant BB Bb Brown fur is Recessive bb

Color Gene There are 5 main color genes that determine the color of a rabbit’s fur. (Our dwarfs only exhibit 2 types) Full Color – Dominant C - C C – ch C – cchd C - c Himalayan – color only in muzzle, ears, and feet; rest is pure white Ch – Ch Ch - c

Dilute/Dense Controls the pigment in the fur Dense = strong color and is dominant DD Dd Dilute = lighter color and is recessive dd

Extension Extended Non-extended Controls if the main fur color goes from the tip of the hair to the base Dominant EE Ee Non-extended The Main fur color only goes part way down the hair and a second color starts Recessive ee